Qaadir Sheppard, Iona Prep (New Rochelle, N.Y.) junior linebacker, is
slowing morphing into one of the most sought-after defensive prospect
throughout the Northeast region. The 6-3, 235-pounder has a rare combination of
size, a big wingspan, speed and athleticism that helps teams win games at the BCS
level.

The three-star prospect, who attended Saturday's Scarlet-White game, says he enjoyed his time at Rutgers, but one thing about the coaching staff stood out above all else.

"What really stood out was how the coaching
staff treated me," said Sheppard, who is being recruited as a rush-end. "They
showed me a lot of love and even gave me a tour around campus before the game
started."

Sheppard spent much of his time on campus
with head coach Kyle Flood and defensive line coach Jim Panagos when they weren't
coaching, but also got the opportunity to bond with a recent class of 2015 Rutgers commit.

"I had a chance to meet Kamaal Seymour out
of Grand Street and we were able to exchange info," said Sheppard.

Following the visit, Sheppard revealed Rutgers'
placement among his top schools.

"Rutgers is in my top three with
Syracuse and Boston College," he said.

Sheppard holds offers from Rutgers, Boston
College, Syracuse, UMass, Old Dominion and Temple. His offer list is expected
to double by the end of the spring evaluation period, which concludes May 31.

Panagos paid Sheppard an in-school visit two weeks ago, while coaches from UConn, Old Dominion and Buffalo have also stopped by to inquire about him.

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